Teachers at Nonkosinathi Educare Centre, in Harare, could not find words to express their gratitude when former member of Parliament and South African Communist Party (SACP) member Chris Wangu donated food parcels to the centre, on Friday May 5.
Mr Wangu, who was accompanied by some community leaders, said early childhood development centres (ECDs) were not receiving enough support from the government and community, although they played a vital role in moulding children for the future. He said government needed to put more funds aside to assist registered centres.
Mr Wangu challenged local businesses and residents to support the ECDs and to be at the forefront of change in the community.
He said he started donating food parcels to the needy while he was still at high school.
The 40-year-old father of two donates food parcels to different organisations once or twice a month across the province. He said the little he gave out brought a smile to the faces of the needy children.
Mr Wangu called on the public to practice the spirit of Ubuntu. He said a hand that gave often received abundantly. He called on the residents to invest in the future of their children.
Unlike their white counterparts, Mr Wangu said children from poor communities were not afforded good opportunities. “Giving people something is what brings joy in my life and I will forever continue doing it until my last days on earth,” he said.
“We should always think of other people’s needs first before our own. In that way we can reduce many of the hardships faced by our people. And we should not be greedy. All of these things that are donated here I bought them from my own money.”
School teacher, Thandiwe Shweni, said she was speechless. She said the money that would have been used to buy food this month could now be used for other things they need.
“We will forever be indebted to Mr Wangu. I hope he will do this to for other people as well,” she said.
Ward councillor Anele Gabuza praised the donation, saying that it would reduce the burden the educare faced. He echoed the sentiment that the community needs to support these centres.
